Profits in the three-month period developed as expected, taking EBITDA for the first quarter to NOK 376 million, which is an increase by 20 percent from NOK 314 million in the first quarter 2004.

Order intake in the first quarter was a comfortable NOK 9.7 billion, bringing the order backlog at the end of March to a record-high NOK 37.7 billion. Aker Kvaerner's main markets developed favourably and early-phase study work and bidding activity was high.

Cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter was negative NOK 886 million, which is in line with expectations. This reflects a NOK 1 228 million increase in net current operating assets from year-end 2004. The liquidity buffer, including undrawn credit facilities of NOK 1.6 billion, was at the end of March a comfortable NOK 4.0 billion. Repayment of debt over the last 12 months amounts to NOK 900 million, whereof NOK 300 million in the first quarter of 2005.

One of the main focus areas of Aker Kvaerner is to continuously improve operational efficiency. Various change programmes have been implemented throughout the group. Competitiveness has been strengthened resulting in a healthy and well-balanced order backlog. The overall predictability and robustness of the group are steadily improving.

The accounts of Aker Kvaerner are as from 1 January 2005 presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The most important consequences of the transition from Norwegian GAAP are described on page 4 in the report and in the enclosure "Restatement of Aker Kvaerner's accounts for 2004 on the basis of IFRS".

Please find enclosed the 1st Quarter Report 2005 in this press release.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Media: Torbjorn Andersen, SVP Group Communications, Aker Kvaerner: Tel: +47 67 51 30 36 Mob: +47 928 85 542

Investor relations:

Lasse Torkildsen, Vice President, Aker Kvaerner, Group Comms. Tel.: +47 67 51 30 39 Mob: +47 911 37 194

AKER KVÆRNER ASA, through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner"), is a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner comprises several industries, including Oil & Gas, Refining & Chemicals, Mining & Metals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Power Generation and Pulp & Paper. The Aker Kvaerner group is organised into two principal business streams, namely Oil & Gas and E&C, each consisting of a number of separate legal entities. Aker Kvaerner is used as the common brand/trademark for most of these entities. The parent company in the group is Aker Kværner ASA. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately NOK 35.6 billion and employs approximately 22,000 people in more than 30 countries.

This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com